Politicians react to Texas voter ID law decision

Houston Chronicle

Updated 5:34 pm, Thursday, August 30, 2012

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-TX

"An attack on the right to vote is under way across the country through laws designed to make it more difficult to cast a ballot. While based in terms of voter fraud, these laws will actually have their greatest impact by limiting participation of African Americans, Latinos, Asians and the young. Today a three judge panel in Washington, DC found that the Texas Voter ID law violates the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the law imposes strict, unforgiving burdens on the poor and noted that racial minorities in Texas are more likely to live in poverty. The Voting Rights Act is for EVERYONE!!!!"

Gov. Rick Perry, R-TX

"Chalk up another victory for fraud. Today, federal judges subverted the will of the people of Texas and undermined our effort to ensure fair and accurate elections. The Obama Administration's claim that it's a burden to present a photo ID to vote simply defies common sense. I will continue to work with Attorney General Abbott to fight for the same right that other states already have to protect their elections."

State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston

"I thank the DC Federal Court for standing up for voting rights and against discrimination and disenfranchisement. Throughout this entire process, Texas consistently failed to produce information showing the law would not have a discriminatory impact on minority voters. The Voting Rights Act exists for this exact purpose: protecting the ability of all Americans to access the ballot box."

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX

"Though I'm disappointed in today's decision, the Supreme Court will have the final say as Texas fights to preserve the integrity of the voting process with a commonsense, constitutional law vital to the health of our democracy."